It is the dream of many to have their literary work published for all the world to read. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, the words that you write can make people’s minds and imaginations soar. But the road to getting your book published can have some twists and turns, leaving you unsure of where to turn to get to your destination.
Here are tips to help you navigate through your journey to getting your book published.
Once you have your great idea for a book the first thing you want to do is get it down as either a manuscript or a proposal. Typically a proposal is used for non-fiction while a manuscript is used for fiction. There are many resources to help you, such as joining a writing community to talk with other authors about their experiences and knowledge. Constructive criticism is often very helpful as is unbiased praise. Social media is a great place to start looking for these groups by using hashtags on platforms like Twitter X, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
Once you have your manuscript or proposal written, it’s time to find a literary agent.
This can be tricky because many agents are reluctant to take on new authors, and publishers prefer to deal with agents, so you can feel stuck in a circular motion. Finding an agent is possible when you do your research and find one who has worked with your genre in the past. Usually, the agent will be mentioned in the acknowledgment section of a published book.
After compiling a list of agent names, you should send out query letters and a synopsis of your book. When making a list of agents, make a note of how they prefer to receive materials submitted. Most agents ask for the first five to 10 pages in addition to a query letter. Since your agent gets paid when you do, they are looking for the very best written work that they know will sell. One thing to be cautious of is legitimate people posing as agents and publishers who require upfront money. Your agent gets paid when you sell your book and they get a set percentage of the sales and negotiate your deal. Never pay anyone upfront money.
The query letter can stump some people or be intimidating to many. This can make or break your submission. A query letter is an introduction to your book, listing its title, genre, and word count. You can add your synopsis to the body of the letter as long as it’s 300 words or less and always include a bio. Then finish with a closing sentence and a thank you. That’s the simple gist of it, but it’s a good idea to Google some of the best-written query letters that get a manuscript or proposal sold. Just remember that this letter is your calling card. It’s everything that an agent will base their interest on and where they will decide if they want to go further.
You might want to consider having your query letter professionally written. Even if you’ve written your own book, it’s a good idea to get it edited by a professional as well. Many authors shy away from hiring professionals because they want to be credited as the writer and retain sole rights to the projects. That’s where a ghostwriter comes in.
A ghostwriter is highly skilled at writing manuscripts, proposals, and query letters. In fact, some ghostwriters might actually have relationships with agents or publishers. Many famous authors you may have read have utilized the skillset of a ghostwriter.
A ghostwriter is in essence an invisible writer. They will work behind the scenes while giving full credit in your book. They have the skills to write a professional piece that looks like you were the author. It’s the best of both worlds.
You can hire a ghostwriter from Ghostwriters Central. They’ve been in business since 2002 and have many top-notch, experienced writers under contract. Some ghostwriters specialize in specific genres and styles, and they will match you with the writer who will make your work shine.